Volunteers offer dinner and dancing at the 'Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom.'
By
Amanda Sebastiano
| 8:48 a.m. April 26, 2015
East County
Neighbors
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A tropical-themed paradise, homemade photo booth with accessories for participants included, welcomed attendees of the April 24 Night with the Stars Special Needs Prom, held at Woodland, The Community Church. The annual event invites individuals with special-needs in Manatee and Sarasota counties, ages 16 and older, to attend the event for free, decked out in sparkling gowns, suits, high heels and ties. Participants received crowns or tiaras before they flaunted down the red carpet, which led to a dance floor and dining area for the guests of honor.
Susan Traynor loves to dance, especially with friends, such as Keri Milder.
April Young and Patricia Williford sport matching smiles and long formal gowns.
Ashley Applequist and Loree Blowe relax before heading toward their other friends in the main dance room.
Josh Audet, Emily Raber, Alyssa Miller and Jenny and Laurel Audet show off their formal best with matching smiles.
Candy Baggett sparkles in her formal gown.
Ann Barrow and Ceil Dyr help Zak Barlow dance to the music.
Gordon Becker sings along to a Pitbull song with dance moves equally as smooth.
Eileen Bond and Luke Garsky act silly in front of the camera.
Jacylen Brownfield enjoys the spotlight on the red carpet.
Brooksann Cummings and William Miller enjoy talking throughout the night.
Lindsey Davies dances as fast as she can.
Timothy Dukes sees how low he can go.
Kirsten and Shirley Griggs enjoy a sweet moment together in front of the camera.
Lisa Hobgood, Heather Cota and Hannah Smith love to dress up.
Latasha Lee enjoys the festivities from the sideline.
Andrew Looyengold and Billie Jo Laird are each other’s date to the event.
Brianna McCormick loves wearing a tiara and dressing up.
Dorri McPherson and her son, Dylan, share laughs on the dance floor.
Volunteer Sara Meadow and Ayla Banter dance together.
Kristy Merchant plays with props for a photo.
Robert Nielsen enjoys pop music.
Sammantha Rials and Steven Parrott enjoy each other’s company.
Jennifer Robinson and Taylore Homan dance and laugh on the dance floor.
Austin Smith and Jessica Hardin are excited to see each other.
Rita Spicola and Paul Speiker take a break from dancing for a photo.
Brittany Tagliareni and her date, Ryan Smith, also attended the 2014 event together.
Leaunna Washington dances flanked by volunteers Paul Taylor and Levi Waxler.
